The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), through its Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC), continues to expand its leadership in sustainable aquaculture through a new partnership with the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (LMDC). Together with Symbiotic, LLC and the GULF BLUE Initiative, the organizations will unveil a hands-on public education installation, Aquaponics in Action, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 13.
The project is one of several collaborations supported through USM's Marine Aquaculture Demonstration (MAD) Initiative, funded by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. Launched to accelerate innovation, workforce development and domestic food production through marine aquaculture, the MAD Initiative integrates applied research, technology advancement and hands-on training to strengthen the Gulf Coast's economic resilience and food security. As part of this mission, the initiative not only advances new technologies and industry partnerships, it also builds community capacity.
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While the aquaponics exhibit is being developed collaboratively, its long-term stewardship will reside with LMDC. Throughout the partnership, TCMAC's MAD team will provide ongoing training, technical guidance and operational support to LMDC staff, ensuring they are fully prepared to manage and interpret the exhibit independently. Once the collaboration concludes, LMDC will assume full ownership and operation of the exhibit, integrating it into the museum's permanent educational programming.
Aquaponics in Action exhibit brings sustainable food systems education to families
As part of MAD's commitment to community engagement and workforce development, Southern Miss, Symbiotic LLC, the GULF BLUE Initiative and LMDC have partnered to create a public aquaponics education exhibit housed in a retrofitted shipping container. The exhibit introduces families and students to sustainable, technology-driven food production by demonstrating how fish and plants can grow symbiotically through shared water and nutrient systems.
"After completing the Gulf Blue Navigator program, Symbiotic, LLC could not wait to help add value to the Mississippi coastal economy. Little did we know that opportunity would arise with great partners like Southern Miss TCMAC and LMDC. Aquaponics in Action represents a deep commitment from all parties to work together to help spark the next wave of interest for the blue economy and sustainable food production in Mississippi," said Kaben Smallwood, co-founder of Symbiotic, LLC.
The exhibit supports STEM-based learning for children and introduces them to the science behind aquaculture. It also increases regional awareness of emerging aquaculture technologies and related career pathways, which are key goals of the MAD Initiative. In addition, early K–12 exposure helps spark interest and build a strong foundation for future workforce readiness and development.
"Aquaponics in Action brings real-world blue economy innovation to life for our youngest learners. By engaging with these sustainable systems, children gain early exposure to the STEM skills and environmental understanding that will define future careers. We are proud to partner with The University of Southern Mississippi, the Gulf Blue Navigator program and Symbiotic Aquaponics to help cultivate the workforce of tomorrow," said Cindy DeFrances, executive director of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
Together, these efforts highlight USM's leadership in advancing a modern marine aquaculture ecosystem that connects research, industry innovation and community engagement. Through its partnership with LMDC, Symbiotic and the GULF BLUE Initiative, USM is expanding public understanding of sustainable aquaculture while showcasing emerging technologies, career pathways and domestic food production. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening coastal resilience and supporting a vibrant Gulf Coast economy.
